LAGRANGE, Ga. --- The Asbury women's basketball team (14-13, 11-5 CCS) traveled to the CCS Semifinals hosted at LaGrange College on Friday night, falling to Belhaven University (19-6, 11-5 CCS), 88-79.
The Eagles opened the game with strong energy, keeping pace early and trailing just 25–19 after the first quarter. AU continued to apply pressure in the second period, cutting into the deficit behind efficient shooting and aggressive play in the paint. Despite the push, Belhaven carried a 47–40 advantage into halftime.
Asbury came out of the break firing, shooting nearly 53 percent in the third quarter and trimming the margin to single digits. Junior elementary education major Emily Sizemore led the charge, attacking the basket consistently and getting to the free-throw line as the Eagles stayed within striking distance.
However, Belhaven answered with timely scoring to extend its lead to 72–62 entering the final period. The Eagles refused to go quietly, battling throughout the fourth quarter and closing the gap to as few as nine points.
Sizemore lead the Eagles with 26 points, eight rebounds, and six assists while shooting 9-for-18 from the floor. Anna Hellums and Trinity Britton each added 11 points, while Ma'Kiya West contributed 11 points and a team-high 10 rebounds for a double-double. Juleigh Anne Tucker provided a spark off the bench with 10 points in just 12 minutes of action.
Asbury finished the contest shooting 42.4 percent from the field and won the rebounding battle, 46–39, but Belhaven capitalized on second-chance opportunities and points off turnovers to secure the victory.
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Ma'Kiya West | 11 PTS, 10 REB
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Emily Sizemore | 26 PTS, 8 REB, 6 A
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Anna Hellums | 11 PTS
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Trinity Britton | 11 PTS
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Juleigh Anne Tucker | 10 PTS, 2 3PT
Asbury will now turn to the NCCAA postseason trail, where they will await the Mideast Regional Tournament, with date and times TBA.
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